As we’ve all seen the last couple weeks, the shit is hitting the fan up in Richmond. And for all us lovers of art and culture in Virginia (which should mean all of you as well), we’ve been hit with some of the most devastating news we’ve had in over 20 years.

On Sunday the House Appropriations Committee proposed a budget plan that eliminates the Virginia Commission for the Arts. This plan will go before the House of Delegates for a vote tomorrow (Thursday, February 25). Essentially the elimination of the Commission would mean a drastic reduction of the grants that keep arts institutions and non-profits afloat.

The effect that this would have on our community is too grim to even imagine.

As Philip Crosby of the Richmond Triangle Players Inc points out, “Every dollar the state invests in the arts through the Virginia Commission for the Arts returns $7 in investment by corporations, in ticket and event sales, and in local government funding. The state investment also leverages federal matching funds – $1 million last year from the National Endowment for the Arts. $1 Million more that will not be available to many organizations that need it if this cut is approved.”

Economically, this would be a huge hit. Arts organizations are a significant source of employment as well as tourism, perhaps the most important bolster of our local economy. We are talking about a huge lack of funding for museums, art centers, music venues, theaters, historical sites, symphonies, orchestras, dance companies.

On a more fundamental level, this is a tremendous hit to our quality of life. The aforementioned institutions are pretty much the heart of culture. In Hampton Roads, we go back and forth a lot about whether or not we even have credible culture here. The fact is, we do. We have cultural events, exhibitions and shows going on all the time. In fact, it’s the best thing about this area. It’s its saving grace. We may not have our shit figured out when it comes to transit, education or whatever else. But the one thing we got is art.

But we won’t if this measure is passed.

The arts are what draw together a creative class. Progressive young professionals look at areas when they’re sizing up job prospects and wonder, “Does this place have a vibrant culture?” If not, then it’s pretty much not worth living in. And if we let this budget go through as it is, we will perpetuate the brain drain that forces out all of the young talented people that could’ve finally put this place on the map.

As BC Wilson reported here this morning, “The commonwealth is short of money, and nobody over there is going to dare to say the dreaded T word (it starts with a ‘t’ and ends with ‘ax,’ to give you a clue). The good news is, the Senate Finance Committee has voted to maintain the arts commission. So, the issue is far from decided. Virginians for the Arts, a non-profit arts support group, is sponsoring a RALLY FOR THE ARTS tomorrow in Richmond, If you can, go.”

If you can’t, the most important thing you can do is let our legislators know that this plan is unacceptable. Find contact information for your legislator here. Talking points are available on the Virginians for the Arts website.

Here are some of the specifics: We ask the House to delete, from the proposed House amendments to the Budget Bill (House Bill 30), the elimination of all funding for arts grants through the Virginia Commission for the Arts. The proposal to eliminate this funding is part of Item 0.9 #2h, paragraph L., reductions to Items 233 and 234. This item begins on page 7 of the House Amendments and the actual elimination of arts grants appears on page 10).

Make you voice heard. There are only so many chances for us to directly affect the quality of our own lives and cities, and this is one of them.